Party Smart

Living with diabetes doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines. Join the party and enjoy the celebration—especially the food—with these helpful tips.

Ah, parties. With their usual rich food offerings, gatherings can be tough for anyone, but especially for those with diabetes to navigate. But don’t give up on celebration! Here’s how to enjoy the scene and stay in control.

Ask for a menu preview. You’ll walk in knowing what you want most—and how it fits with the rest of your day. You can also offer to add a delicious dish of your own to the mix. (We’ve got a whole recipe library of possibilities!)

Downsize your dish. To help control portions, use a dessert or salad plate.

Keep portions in control. Whatever’s on the menu, keep meal portions in control with the plate method. Fill half of your plate with nonstarchy vegetables (broccoli, carrots, spinach), a quarter of the plate with three to four ounces of protein (meat, fish, reduced fat cheese), and the other quarter with a carbohydrate serving (whole grain bread or pasta, rice, potato).

Keep tabs on drinks. If your diabetes is controlled and free of complications, it’s usually okay to have one drink—a 5-ounce glass of wine or a 12-ounce light beer. But then move to diet soda or water (carry CRYSTAL LIGHT On the Go Drink Mix packets to add in). Only drink alcohol if your physician has okayed it—and be sure you know how to adjust your insulin or medication if necessary. Keep in mind recommendations for number of drinks and serving sizes. Never drink on an empty stomach—which could set you up for a blood-glucose dip. Check with your doctor or diabetes educator if you have any questions about consuming alcohol.

Do an extra check. To watch for highs, do an extra blood-glucose check if you’ve eaten a big dinner or had more alcohol than usual.

Stay busy. Dance. Take photos. Or simply mingle. That’ll help keep you from making multiple trips to the food table.